By: Adriana Bernal Martinez ‘20

I remember the day I got this little red and yellow box in the mail. It was in late March of my Senior year of high school. I was coming back home from Debate practice at around 6 and at the sight of two little boxes just chillin’ on my doorstep, my breath caught in my throat. I wasn’t really sure what they were about whatsoever, but they seemed rather important and they had the colors of the school I had just committed to on them, so. I was anxious and excited and maybe a little teensy bitsy sweaty but upon opening them, I learned one thing and one thing only: I was going to China.

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

“Office hours” is a popular phrase on college campuses. It is mentioned in almost every syllabus and always comes up during conversations about school with family members, alumni, or academic counselors. Office hours are times that professors or teaching assistants (T/A) set aside to be available to their students. A student may go to see a professor or a T/A during office hours because they don’t understand class material, want guidance in the course, or to pursue a topic in more depth than it was covered in class. Going to office hours seems like a pretty simple key to success, but if you’re an introvert or a shy person like myself meeting with your professor seems to be uncomfortable and scary. I’ll be honest, it was not until midterms of my first semester to feel 100% comfortable talking to my professors. I initially was very anxious and scared that I would have been disturbing the professor or asking “stupid questions.” However as time went on, I developed coping strategies that helped me to overcome my office hours jitters.

By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19

For all of the spring admits there - whether you’re currently one or you were one in the past - you know how difficult the wait can be. I’ve been in your shoes. But trust me, it’s worth it. Before you know it, you be here and start leaving your mark on the university. Here are my top tips to make the wait fly by quickly.

By: Ayman Siraj ‘18

You’ll here it from everyone once you start classes. The best way to make the most of your university experience is to join clubs & organizations. The USC office of campus activities lists more than 800 registered student groups you can be a part of. The full list can be found here.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

Didn’t get a chance to attend the USC Involvement Fair? No problem, here’s a helpful guide to give you a glimpse of the hundreds of clubs found on campus.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Campuses across the country recognize that extracurricular involvement increases student retention; basically, students are much more likely to continue their higher education at institutions where they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. To find smaller communities within our huge student body, to pursue new and exciting interests, to get to know new and different people, or to find people with similar beliefs - there’s no end to the reasons to get involved at USC.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

If you have extra room in your schedule, want to add a 1 or 2 unit course, and/or want to learn a new skill and stay fit in the process, look no further than the PHED department! There are 23 Physical Education courses being offered this Fall 2016, so you’re sure to find one that fits amidst your other courses, no matter how busy you may be.

By: Cole Sullivan ‘18

Hi Isabella! Thanks for your great question. I know you’re considering applying to USC next year and making sure you’ll be able to do your best academically is a really important factor when you look at colleges. The short answer to your question is: YES! It’s so easy to get help from professors when you’re having difficulty with something…all you have to do is ask!

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Moving in with someone is a big step in any relationship, so not matter how well you know your soon-to-be roommate, it’s perfectly natural to be a little nervous. Whether you met through mutual friends, knew each other in high school, found common ground in your generic posts in the USC Class of 2020 facebook group, or both opted for the “random roommate” in an admirable leap of faith, there’s no way you know what it will be like to live with them until you actually do.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

You’ve seen them in your feed posted by some of your favorite bloggers but now here’s your chance to grab some friends and roadtrip across the city to snap away at some of the most popular Instagram worthy photo locations.

By: Ayman Siraj ‘18

USC has the largest international student population on the West Coast. As college decision day approached on May 1st for many of you, I congratulate you if you committed to USC! You’re joining the best family on earth - The Trojan Family (the hype is real). Many of you like me will never have even toured the colleges you applied to from halfway across the world. Naturally many questions arise when you get here, and I’ve put down the answers to a few.

By: Emily Young MA ‘16

Since I am reaching the end of my five wonderful years here at USC, I thought it would be great to share my college tips for having the best college experience!